These are the headlines from Malta and around the world.
The Malta Business Weekly says that there was a drop in economic sentiment in the first quarter of the year. The Economic Sentiment Indicator decreased to 104.5 from 107.2; slightly below the EU average of 106.0 but higher than the national long-term average of 100.1.
The Times carries a Chamber of Commerce statement urging the government to take the Rent Reform Bill ‘back to the drawing board’. The Chamber argues that the proposed law does not effectively address problems in the market created by pre-1995 leases.
In-Nazzjon quotes Reginald Fava from the Chamber of Commerce who said that the right of Housing Authority officials to inspect private property, proposed in the Rent Reform Bill, goes against the Constitution.
L-Orizzont says that Infrastructure Malta has started works on the underground tunnels in Santa Luċija that was approved by the Planning Authority in September. The €20 million investment includes will provide better access to pedestrians and cyclists.
The Malta Independent speaks to the Environment and Resources Authority about the impact of road works in Santa Luċija. The Authority said that its assessment showed that the environmental effects are ‘unlikely to be significant’.
The Malta Independent reports that morale among Air Malta pilots is very low after a series of clashes with the airline. The courts recently blocked the pilots’ union from holding industrial actions.
The Malta Business Weekly carries a story about the inauguration of the Serpentine Coffee House, across the Serpentine lake in London. The award-winning structure was designed by Mizzi Studios which is based in Malta and London.
The Times reports that the government’s consultative committee Ornis is expected to recommend against finch trapping in the Autumn season and review the decision net year. Finch trapping is banned by the EU Birds Directive.
L-Orizzont covers a seminar to mark the Day Against Human Trafficking organised by the Foundation for Social Welfare Services. Police Assistant Commissioner Dennis Theuma warned about cases of exploitation by some employers that results in slavery.
In-Nazzjon leads with an increase in the price of fuel by 5 cents per litre announced by Enemed. The paper says that international oil price is at 57 dollars a barrel, one of its lowest point in the past 10 years.
In-Nazzjon reports on the death of a diver in Dwejra on Wednesday. The Swiss man found himself in difficulty and was brought to shore by one of the divers accompanying him, but was certified dead at the scene by a medical team.
